Optus offers free cloud storage

Optus is offering free cloud storage for business customers, plus options to buy more than the default 500MB capacity if you need more cloud storage space.

Optus mobile and broadband customers can now use the telco as a default online backup and storage provider for their digital files.

The company has signed a deal with computer security company F-Secure to offer 500MB of free storage in the cloud for small business and consumers.

The Optus Smart Safe deal does not include any anti-virus or internet security software although F-Secure’s business is desktop and mobile security products. Instead Optus will be using the Finnish company’s servers housed in a data centre in Sydney to provide storage.

While 500MB might be enough to back up a phone, customers wanting to use the service as serious file storage will need to upgrade to the 10GB or 300GB options, costing $5.99 and $14.99 a month respectively.

Once in storage, files can be accessed via mobile or PC via the Smart Safe web page, and can be shared with colleagues via links.

Compatible mobile handsets include Android phones (up to version 2.2), Symbian devices like Nokia, plus LG, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Blackberry and phones built on the old Windows Mobile v6. Optus said it is working to extend it to Windows Phone 7 and iPhone in the coming months.